Okay, let's strike a deal - I'll buy a bottle of First Gold if you buy a bottle of Pumpking. We both have to post our impressions on this very thread after we've drunk it.

Random ale buying sprees are awesome: every time I got to the supermarket, I always try to buy at least one ale that I've never tried before and one local ale. Waitrose is the best for this as they not only have a geat selection, but always stock local stuff.

Tesco is improving their selection, but Waitrose is still the mecca for ale drinkers who want to pick up a few bottles to drink at home

Best ale at the Sheffield Beerfest last month was from [link=http://www.thebrewcompany.co.uk/">The Brew Company. Although I did have a decent pale ale and a malty golden ale from Acorn of Barnsley. But I must say, I'm very pleased with my latest batch of homebrew. It's malty with a caramel overtone and a rich amber colour.

Anyone see the Neil Morrisey programme that started the other week? He's buying a pub and opening a micro-brewery. He reasons that because some kitchen-made homebrew turned out ok, it's one small step to a national brand known as MoFo beers

DocX wrote:
Anyone see the Neil Morrisey programme that started the other week? He's buying a pub and opening a micro-brewery. He reasons that because some kitchen-made homebrew turned out ok, it's one small step to a national brand known as MoFo beers

Apparently his stuff isn't that hot and a bit weak as piss rather than meaty and satisfying. All power too him though.

Lexx87 wrote:
Just read through the blog BanjoMan and while I know nothing about homebrewing at all, it was still quite interesting. I can see it now...bottles all over with that world famous banjo stamp!

Thanks man! You never know, Banjo's Brews may yet become a reality. But not this decade.

I've read (in very fancy books) that below a certain temperature, liquids just numb the taste buds. This is why ice-cold beer tastes so refreshing on a hot day, but it's not the best way to drink ale. Real ale should be served between 10-15C, or thereabouts. I'll check in my books tonight.